By Dennis G. Allan
It’s not too surprising in a society that gobbles up fanciful “get-rich-quick” schemes that many would also seek spiritual gain without changing their lives. Yet the very idea of repentance demands change, and the Bible shows that we cannot be saved without it!
Repentance Required For Reconciliation
Men are separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). Paul shows clearly that all have sinned and therefore deserve the consequence of death—eternal separation from God (Romans 3:23; 6:23). In such a condition, men must seek to be reconciled to God. Using examples of people who had been punished in this life, Jesus said that others also faced destruction: “…unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3; 13:5). He could not have more clearly informed us that repentance is essential to salvation.
Repentance Requires Reversal
Simply defined, repentance is a change of mind. In its New Testament usage, it refers to a change of mind as one turns from sin and toward God (See a discussion of this word by W. E. Vine in his Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, pp. 962-963). Repentance is, in short, a reversal of one’s attitude about sin.
Repentance Results in Revision
While repentance itself is a change of mind, it demands change in conduct. John the Baptist instructed an audience to “bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly changed his mind about sin will manifest this attitude in his actions. Jesus spoke of the differences between good and evil and said, “by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20). A person who has truly repented of sin will not continue to walk after the flesh. Works of the flesh will be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit in the one who has turned from sin to serve God (Galatians 5:19-26).
Repentance And What It Results In
Repentance is an essential part of God’s requirements for man’s salvation. Without repenting, one cannot be saved from sin and its terrible consequence. However, just like every other element of the plan, repentance by itself will not save. A person who turns from sin without truly believing in Jesus Christ has not fully obeyed. One who turns from sin but is not baptized for the forgiveness of his sins has also neglected part of God’s requirement (notice the relationship of repentance and baptism in Acts 2:38). While one cannot be saved by repentance alone, nobody can gain spiritual riches without repentance!
This bulletin is being published for the purpose of encouraging a further study of the Word of God. Editor – Josh Liggin
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